Gerald J. Ziegel

Gerald J. Ziegel, 86, of Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Applegate Terrace under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

He was born on March 19, 1936 in the town of Hamburg to the late Ervin and Norma (Voigt) Ziegel.  Gerald grew up on the family farm in the town of Stettin.  On October 4, 1958, he married the former Florence Mijal at St. James Catholic Church in Wausau.  They celebrated 64 years of marriage.  Together they enjoyed fishing, bowling, birdwatching and Ziegel family vacations up north each summer.

In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed playing baseball and fastpitch softball.  As his family grew, he retired from playing ball and began coaching his sons in Little League.  He enjoyed watching his kids in their activities and sporting events.   And when his grandkids came, he was their biggest fan.  He had a special place in his heart for his grand dogs and they all adored him.  Some of his favorite times were in the woods hunting with family.  His other hobbies included golf, woodworking, and any type of carpenter work.  He was soft spoken with a quick wit.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post 10 in Wausau.  He was a faithful member of Our Savior’s Church.   He worked for Pauly Cheese for many years and retired from Moduline Windows in Wausau.

Above all, time spent with Florence and family was what he treasured.

Survivors include his wife, Florence; his four children, Sandy (Todd) Hass of Wausau, Jim (Dawn) Ziegel of Merrill, Jeff (Lori) Ziegel of Wausau, and Donna (Jon) Martin of DePere; grandchildren, Matt, Megan, Amie (Jason), Josh, Sheena (Adam), Travis, Larissa (Maggie), Brett (Lauren), Jarrod, Joseph (Kailin), and Alexandria; great-grandchildren, Jaedyn, Owen and Staci; siblings, Janice Ruplinger, Ervin Ziegel Jr., Kenneth (Beverly) Ziegel, and Rosemary (Dave) Groth; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Norma Ziegel; sisters and brothers-in-law, Imogene (Walter) Niewolny and Isabelle (Wyman) Ruplinger; brother and sister-in-law, Elton (Carol) Ziegel; brother-in-law, Ivan Ruplinger; and sister-in-law, Ruth Ziegel.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Our Savior’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 703 Flieth Street, Wausau, with Rev. Jeffrey Mahnke officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Entombment will take place in the Restlawn Chapel Mausoleum, town of Texas, with military honors accorded by the American Legion Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post 10.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Rest in Peace Pops !